If you thought endless delays and the unceremonious sunset of ArcheAge were the worst things that could happen to ArcheAge 2, think again because at PlayStation’s State of Play event last night, XLGames announced that that company has heavily revamped its game plan.
First, it’s no longer called ArcheAge 2. It’s now called ArcheAge Chronicles. XLGames is taking great pains not to call it an MMORPG, thought it still sounds like one in terms of massively multiplayer interaction.
“As an online action RPG, ArcheAge Chronicles promises to deliver a more immersive experience with a strong emphasis on action combat. The game will feature epic large-scale raids and cooperative gameplay, offering a diverse array of activities for players to enjoy on PS5. […] ArcheAge Chronicles will allow you to connect and adventure with friends and players worldwide.”
The blog also talks up the combat system, raids with 10+ players, and an expanded world. But while the company is touting life skills and exploration, it sounds as if ArcheAge’s classic open-world housing has been replaced entirely by instanced housing. We also see no mention of the game’s popular PvP.
“In ArcheAge Chronicles, housing will be a cornerstone feature, enabling players to build and customize their own homes. Transitioning from the previous open-world model, ArcheAge Chronicles now features dedicated housing zones where players can showcase their creativity and achievements. Additionally, the game enables multiple players to come together to form vibrant, town-like communities. Furthermore, ArcheAge Chronicles offers a rich variety of life skills, such as farming, crafting, and trading, providing numerous ways to engage with the game world and its economy.”
In other words, it sounds much more like a themepark (and less like a sandbox) than ArcheAge. Launch is still expected next year, and hey, at least it’ll be on consoles too this time.
On Steam, executive producer Yongjin Ham again dodges the term MMO, calls it an “online action RPG,” and says the game is no longer a sequel. And it really does look as if the big PvP wars aren’t coming back.
“In lieu of a direct sequel, we’ve prepared a fresh take on the ArcheAge universe by shifting away from large-scale competitive battles to smaller group activities and interactive adventures. Our aim is for ArcheAge Chronicles to be approachable and enjoyable for both veteran players as well as those who are just joining our world. The story takes place fifty years after the original title, introducing new conflicts and characters with different goals and convictions. Each character will have their own unique arc, presenting another layer of depth to the game. We believe this rich narrative will bring joy to our lore-loving players. In ArcheAge Chronicles, you’ll be able to explore a seamless open world where you can connect and adventure with friends and players around the world. This novel journey emphasizes exploration and life skills, ensuring that there is always something around the corner to discover and master.”
